Stats: http://www.bluffton.edu/sports/baseball/2012/04-28-bb.htm

The Bluffton University baseball team dropped the series opener at Franklin 4-0 on a rainy Saturday, April 28, 2012. Bluffton saw its hopes for a berth in the Heartland Conference tournament take a huge hit as the Beavers fell to 16-19 overall and 9-11 in the HCAC. Franklin upped its season mark to 26-8 and 14-6 in the conference.

Franklin scored in just one inning, but six singles and walk added up to four earned runs for the home team in the second frame. Bluffton's seven hits were spread out over six innings as Franklin's Chris Hoopingarner struck out just one but induced 13 ground ball outs while improving to 5-2 on the season.

Bluffton starter Kelly Barnes (Toledo/Christian) slipped to 3-3 after allowing the four runs on 13 hits in six innings of work. He walked two in the loss. Sophomore Airic Steagall (Hillsboro) paced the Beaver offense with a 2-of-3 afternoon at the plate.

The Beavers will hit the diamond at 12 p.m. for a pair of nine-inning games at Franklin on Sunday, April 29.